New Zealand's batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram are set to work with Islamabad United in the PSL 2026, even though the tournament overlaps with major assignments for New Zealand. Ronchi’s association with Islamabad United is not new. The former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter represented the franchise for three seasons after making his PSL debut in the 2017–18 campaign. In January 2026, Islamabad United appointed Ronchi as their head coach. Oram, another former New Zealand all-rounder, will join the franchise as one of Ronchi’s assistants.

“This is a great chance for Luke and Jake to further their coaching experience and grow their skills outside of the New Zealand cricket environment,” New Zealand performance manager Mike Sandle said.

“Just like our players, our coaches are in demand around the world and we believe Luke and Jake will not only personally benefit from their time at the PSL, but they will also be able to bring back knowledge and IP that can aid the BLACKCAPS and NZC in the future.”

New Zealand are set to host South Africa for a five-match T20I series running from March 15 to March 25. However, the 2026 PSL season is scheduled to begin on March 26, just one day after the T20I series concludes. As a result, Ronchi and Oram will shift their focus to Islamabad United. Meanwhile, for the South Africa T20I series, Wellington coach Jonny Bassett-Graham and New Zealand Cricket network coach Graeme Aldridge will assist head coach Rob Walter.

"It will be great to have Jonny, Graeme and Brendon join the Black Caps, and I'm sure they will get a lot of out their time in the environment and the experience of working alongside our players and support staff," Sandle said. 

"Their involvement will naturally help strengthen our high-performance coaching depth, and we hope the coaches themselves will be able to take back some of what they've learned to benefit the domestic set-ups," he said.